Kalalish Toba

About this activity

Kalalish Toba, sometimes affectionately called the “Blue-eyed Lake,” is a stunning high-altitude lake located on the Egrisi Range within the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region of Georgia. This small, often described as heart-shaped, lake is nestled amidst vibrant alpine meadows at a significant elevation, making it a jewel of the high Caucasus. It’s situated very close to the larger and more famous Tobavarchkhili Lake (“Silver Lake”). Accessing Kalalish Toba involves challenging multi-day trekking routes, typically starting from villages like Mukhuri in the Samegrelo lowlands, attracting hikers seeking remote beauty and adventure. The journey itself often passes through diverse landscapes, including forests, mineral springs, and glacial features, before reaching the alpine zone where the lake lies. Its pristine, cold, clear waters reflect the dramatic surrounding peaks. As a high-altitude glacial lake, it’s characterized by low nutrient levels (oligotrophic) and a fragile ecosystem adapted to cold temperatures and prolonged snow cover. Kalalish Toba is primarily valued for its exceptional natural beauty and as a key point along the demanding but rewarding Tobavarchkhili trekking circuit.

Identification and Location

• Name: Kalalish Toba (კალალიშ ტობა). Also known as Kalalish Lake, Kolalishi Lake, or sometimes the “Blue-eyed Lake”. “Toba” (ტობა) signifies “lake” in Megrelian and Svan languages.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti
  • Municipality: Primarily associated with Chkhorotsku Municipality (Samegrelo side), located on the Egrisi Range (also known as the Samegrelo Range).
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Located very close to the larger Tobavarchkhili Lake on the Egrisi Range. Accessible via trekking routes starting typically from Mukhuri or Skuri Resort (Chkhorotsku Municipality).
  • Coordinates: Approximately 42∘47′44′′ N latitude, 42∘15′04′′ E longitude (Coordinates may vary slightly based on map source).
• Connections: Fed mainly by snowmelt and precipitation. It’s part of the Tobavarchkhili lake system on the Egrisi Range and likely drains via small streams contributing eventually to rivers flowing from the range, such as tributaries of the Khobistskali.

Physical Characteristics

• Surface Area: Small (Exact data varies, but significantly smaller than the main Tobavarchkhili lake).
• Maximum Depth: Unknown.
• Average Depth: Unknown.
• Volume: Unknown, expected to be small.
• Elevation: Approximately 2490 meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Relatively short.
• Water Source(s): Primarily seasonal snowmelt and rainfall.
• Outlet(s): A small outflowing stream is probable, connecting it hydrologically within the Tobavarchkhili lake group.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial origin, likely situated in a cirque or depression formed by past glacial activity on the Egrisi Range.

Ecological Information

• Flora: The immediate surroundings are characterized by alpine meadows with vibrant wildflowers during the short summer season. Lower slopes on the approach routes feature dense forests (beech, hornbeam, fir, spruce). Aquatic vegetation within the lake itself is likely sparse due to the cold, nutrient-poor conditions.
• Fauna: Fish are generally considered absent from these high Egrisi lakes unless introduced. The surrounding mountains support wildlife typical of the Caucasus, including chamois, potentially tur, brown bear, wolf, various birds (raptors, alpine species), reptiles, and amphibians in suitable habitats. Cold-adapted invertebrates live within the lake.
• Trophic Level: Oligotrophic (very low in nutrients), typical for high-altitude glacial lakes.
• Water Clarity: Expected to be very high (clear).
• Water Temperature: Cold year-round, freezing over in winter and remaining cold even in summer.
• pH Levels: Likely near neutral to slightly acidic.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Expected to be high due to low temperatures.
• Unique Ecological Features: Pristine high-altitude lake ecosystem, part of the unique Tobavarchkhili lake group on the Egrisi Range. Habitat for specialized alpine flora.
• Conservation Status: Located within a remote mountain area, protected primarily by its inaccessibility. While not part of a formal national park, the Egrisi Range is an important natural area.
• Invasive Species: Unlikely due to remoteness and environmental conditions.

Human Interaction and Significance

• Historical Significance: Likely holds local significance within Megrelian folklore and traditional land use (pastures), possibly linked to legends surrounding the nearby Tobavarchkhili Lake.
• Current Uses: Primarily a destination for multi-day adventure trekking as part of the Tobavarchkhili lake circuit. The surrounding meadows might be used for seasonal grazing. Not used for water supply, power, etc.
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts from increasing trekking tourism (litter, trail erosion, campsite impacts). Grazing can also affect the fragile alpine vegetation and water quality. Vulnerable to climate change impacts affecting snow cover, melt patterns, and temperature.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Relies on responsible tourism practices (Leave No Trace) promoted by tour operators and guides. Its remoteness currently provides the main protection. Recent efforts have been made to improve road access partway up the trekking route towards the Tobavarchkhili area, which could increase visitor pressure.
• Local Communities: Important natural heritage site for communities in the Chkhorotsku and Tsalenjikha municipalities. Offers potential income for local guides, horse providers, and guesthouses in villages like Mukhuri that serve as starting points for treks.

Interesting or Unique Facts

• Often described as having a heart shape.
• Its proximity to the larger Tobavarchkhili Lake makes it part of a spectacular group of high-mountain lakes.
• The trek to reach Kalalish Toba and the other Tobavarchkhili lakes is considered one of the most beautiful, though challenging, in Georgia.
• The name “Toba” reflects the local Megrelian/Svan term for “lake.”